About Us of Shumei Santa Cruz Farm

In 2004, Shumei established a 22-acre Natural Agriculture farm located in the mid-mountains of Santa Cruz. This was the first official Shumei-operated farm outside of Japan, managed by Shumei Natural Agriculture farmer Masaharu Noda along with five other staff members. They are certified organic through California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF), cultivating more than twenty kinds of vegetables including: lettuce, broccoli, spinach, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, soybeans and pumpkins using the Natural Agriculture method. There is also a small peach, apple, orange, lemon, plum and mandarin orange orchard that is maintained without the use of chemical pesticides. Santa Cruz farm sells fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets and supplies fresh produce to its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members each week. They also participate in school programs in cooperation with local schools, in order to improve student nutrition. The program includes classroom presentations on health, nutrition, Natural Agriculture and field visits to the farm. Students are able to participate in planting, harvesting and other educational activities. The farm also has an internship program, where adults can learn how to practice Natural Agriculture and a Family Garden Mentorship program, where Shumei helps local families start their own Natural Agriculture gardens.